India, a land of diverse cultures, offers an equally diverse range of teas. Each region brings its unique flavors and traditions to this comforting beverage. Here’s a list of eight regional tea recipes that will warm your heart and soul during the chilly winter months.
1. Kashmiri Kahwa (Kashmir)
A royal brew from the paradise of India, Kashmiri Kahwa is a green tea infused with spices and saffron, giving it a fragrant aroma and a golden hue. The tea is traditionally served with crushed almonds and sometimes honey for added sweetness.
Ingredients:
- Kashmiri green tea leaves
- Saffron strands
- Cardamom pods
- Cinnamon sticks
- Crushed almonds
- Honey or sugar (optional)
Method:
- Boil water with saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon.
- Add green tea leaves and steep for 2–3 minutes.
- Strain the tea and garnish with crushed almonds.
- Serve warm.
2. Masala Chai (Across India)
Masala Chai is a staple in almost every Indian household, known for its spicy and robust flavor. A blend of black tea, milk, and a medley of spices, this chai is both comforting and invigorating.
Ingredients:
- Black tea leaves
- Milk
- Cardamom pods
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Sugar
Method:
- Boil water with crushed spices and ginger.
- Add tea leaves and simmer for a minute.
- Pour in milk and bring to a boil.
- Strain and serve hot.
3. Tulsi-Adrak Chai (Uttar Pradesh)
This tea combines the health benefits of tulsi (holy basil) and ginger, making it a popular remedy for colds and coughs. It’s a soothing drink during winter.
Ingredients:
- Black tea leaves
- Fresh tulsi leaves
- Grated ginger
- Sugar or jaggery
- Milk (optional)
Method:
- Boil water with tulsi leaves and grated ginger.
- Add tea leaves and simmer.
- Sweeten with sugar or jaggery, and add milk if desired.
- Serve steaming hot.
4. Sulaimani Chai (Kerala)
A refreshing and light black tea, Sulaimani Chai is infused with lemon and spices. It is a traditional drink in Kerala, often enjoyed after meals.
Ingredients:
- Black tea leaves
- Cardamom pods
- Cinnamon
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
Method:
- Boil water with spices.
- Add tea leaves and simmer for a minute.
- Strain, add sugar and a splash of lemon juice.
- Serve warm.
5. Gur-Gulab Ki Chai (Rajasthan)
This Rajasthani delicacy combines jaggery (gur) and rose petals for a sweet, fragrant tea that is perfect for winter evenings.
Ingredients:
- Black tea leaves
- Dried rose petals
- Jaggery
- Milk
Method:
- Boil water with rose petals and jaggery.
- Add tea leaves and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in milk and bring to a boil.
- Strain and serve warm.
6. Noon Chai (Ladakh)
Noon Chai, also known as pink tea, is a salty and buttery brew unique to Ladakh. Made with green tea leaves, milk, and baking soda, it has a distinctive pink hue and a savory taste.
Ingredients:
- Kashmiri green tea leaves
- Baking soda
- Milk
- Salt
- Butter (optional)
Method:
- Boil tea leaves and baking soda until it froths.
- Add milk and salt, and stir well.
- Serve warm with butter if desired.
7. Kanji Chai (Punjab)
Kanji Chai is a fermented black tea traditionally enjoyed in Punjab. Its tangy and unique flavor is attributed to the fermentation process.
Ingredients:
- Black tea leaves
- Fermented kanji water
- Salt and spices
Method:
- Boil black tea and mix with fermented kanji water.
- Add salt and spices to taste.
- Serve warm.
8. Gurmar Tea (Maharashtra)
Known for its health benefits, Gurmar Tea is made using Gymnema sylvestre leaves, which are believed to regulate blood sugar levels. It’s an herbal delight for tea lovers seeking a healthy twist.
Ingredients:
- Dried gurmar leaves
- Water
- Honey or jaggery (optional)
Method:
- Boil water and add dried gurmar leaves.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes and strain.
- Sweeten with honey or jaggery if needed.
- Serve hot.
Each of these teas carries the essence of its region, reflecting the culture and traditions of its people. This winter, brew a cup of warmth and savor the flavors of India. Which one will you try first? Let us know!